A Blog Post

Sol Gate Studio’s found the hidden gem of the uptown district of Oakland during their new project Hotels, Hangouts and Hideaways. Make Westing has taken uptown Oakland to another level as this establishment absolutely checks off every happy hour qualification for the Hideaways segment of the show.

The name “Make Westing” comes from a short story by Oakland native Jack London. While a bit grim and violent, the tale centers on the overwhelming need to make the westing wind back home to Oakland – to a place of warmth and family (and bocce courts?). Custom decor resonates within this awesome bar. Upon walking in as you pass their awesome outdoor patio, you’re welcomed by a long custom slate bar refurbished from old pool tables. Iron surrounds the 2 bocce courts which was also refurbished from the scaffolding used to reinvent this space to what it is today. Special cocktails created specifically by the bartenders and staff grace their drink menu. One of the most popular being the Garden Gimlet, refreshing and cool, it’ll remind you of a field of fresh cut grass. Feeling smart? Have them make you a Much Ado About Newton, vodka with Apple Pie shrub and house made bitters and fresh lemons. Tastes like a warm piece of homemade apple pie. If you’re feeling simple you can just grab yourself an ice cold 24oz Pabst Blue Ribbon tall boy for only $3. Melinda Vaca and Caroline Pagel are the mad geniuses behind this creative food menu. They have created their own distinct methodology “Things in Jars” and “Outside the Jar”.

Don’t let this micro kitchen detour you from their exceptional menu of high end dishes. They easily pop out a choice braised oxtail sandwich with bourbon glazed onions, fresh house made Sauerkraut along side a basket of their own delicious habanero and cilantro infused popcorn doused with lime butter. They easily knock out a Duck Confit sandwich with pickled grape jelly, Black Pepper allspice aioli, which is amazingly tender and cooked to perfection you would think that you just stepped into a 5 star restaurant. With over 30 write ups ranging from Best New Bar 2012 from East Bay Express to Zagat, The New York Times and many many more. The happy hour is set every single day, 7 days a week from 4pm – 6pm so head to uptown Oakland and Make Westing your next happy hour.